Supporting Myself Financially While in Law School Forum

[Kelmees]

I am a single mother of one and am looking to apply for admission into a local law school next year (2011). My GPA and LSAT score are both on par for the school I am applying to and I am fairly confident that I could be accepted into the full time day program. Now for my dilema - I currently work for an insurance company 40+ hours a week to support my son and I, which was fine while going to school at night and on the weekends for my undergrad. With law school however, this doesn't seem possible, and even if it is possible, I feel like my performance would not be at its best. I guess I could settle for the part time program, which would still probably be a lot to take on, but I would really rather not. So here's my question - Is there a scenario where my son and I would be able to survive off of Loans, scholarships, grants...etc for the first two years? Would it be stupid to quit my job? Pros/Cons/Alternatives??

[trialjunky]

Can you go PT at your job?

[IAFG]

i don't mean to downplay the financial situation you're probably in now, but would it be feasible to wait a couple years and build a cushion? generally though, COL estimates are generous if you're living frugally.

[Kelmees]

Can you go PT at your job?

Definitely not. I actually have a pretty great job. Its a salary position and PT is not an option. The mandatory overtime doesn't help either.

[Kelmees]

i don't mean to downplay the financial situation you're probably in now, but would it be feasible to wait a couple years and build a cushion? generally though, COL estimates are generous if you're living frugally.

I mean truth be told, the money I make is pretty much just enough for us to survive. I mean, I could save, but even after a few years one could hardly call the savings "a cushion".

[r6_philly]

If you feel like the advancement opportunity at your current job is low to nil, and the outlook just isn't too much better than the present, then I guess you have to look at a different path to improve your future. So if law school seems to be that path - if you are interested in the process, the profession - then I would do what's necessary to put LS as the priority.

You can request a even more generous budget from the school since you are a single parent. You can then borrow more in PLUS loans. You can also ask the financial aid office to try to find you on campus employment to supplement your package. You can start looking for a part-time job as well.

I think the most important thing is for you to try to minimize your debt load. Most of us are supposed to give up our current income and get in debt to finish LS (even for people with full scholly). If the school can offer you good leads, and if you do well in school, you can expect to make up some money during your summers and maybe even try to keep a part-time job going while you are in school.

If your current job isn't that great anyway, I say go for it. It's pretty daunting to think about it, but leaving the deadend job is probably not a bad idea - if law school can help you in the long run. Just be aware of your debt and ability to pay back that debt... If you can go to a local school with minimal tuition expenses it would be the best.